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Craft Beer Lover's Guide to Riviera Maya
In Riviera Maya, you'll find an incredible array of Mexican craft beers to choose from, as well as some postcard-worthy settings.
Mexico may be best known for its tequila and mezcal – and with good reason! But during your time in the Riviera Maya (home of the all inclusive resorts Barceló Maya Grand Resort, Occidental at Xcaret Destination and the adults-only Royal Hideaway Playacar), take some time to discover some of the area's craft beer hot spots. You'll find an incredible array of Mexican craft beers to choose from, as well as some postcard-worthy settings that you’ll want to hang out in all day (and maybe all night). So take this opportunity to go beyond Corona and start exploring Riviera Maya craft beer and Playa del Carmen craft beer hot spots.
Club de la Cerveza
Address: 5 Av. Norte entre calles 34 y 38 Norte, Xaman-Ha, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Located right on Playa del Carmen’s famed Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue), Club de la Cerveza is one of Riviera Maya’s most reliable craft beer hot spots. Here, you’ll find the best Mexican craft beers on tap alongside imported delights from the States, Belgium, Germany and beyond.
What To Order: Try the refreshing Bocanegra Pilsner, brewed in Monterey, Mexico. Its floral bouquet is balanced perfectly by a mild bitterness.
Manne’s Biergarten
Address: Calle 4 S/N, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
A German-style beer garden in the heart of Playa del Carmen? Ya! Manne’s Biergarten serves up authentic Bavarian cuisine, including bratwurst, schnitzel and sauerbraten in a fun and festive atmosphere. And of course, the best thing to wash down that tasty food is a big frosted stein of German beer. Manne’s has an extensive list of authentic German brews to choose from.
What To Order: You can’t go wrong with Beck’s, one of the most popular German beers. It goes great with the classic oom-pah music you’ll hear at Manne’s.
Colectivo Mexicano Cervecero
Address: Calle Quinta Avenida S/N, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
A new addition to the Playa del Carmen craft beer scene, Colectivo Mexicano Cervecero takes beer seriously. Brew aficionados will feel right at home here – but it’s great for newbies too. The challenge is to decide what to order: Colectivo Mexicano Cervecero usually has upwards of 60 craft beers on tap, plus several barrel-aged options. In other words, You’re going to want to set aside a couple of hours for your visit!
What To Order: Try something from the upstart Tijuana brewery Insurgente. For IPA lovers, the hoppy La Lupulosa is a must-sip — one of the very best Mexican craft beers.
Cerveza Akumal by TIBC
Address: E Norte 17, Mundo Hábitat, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Experience Playa del Carmen’s original craft brewery! Cerveza Akumal is the proud maker of La Cerveza Del Caribe Mexicano — Mexican Caribbean beer. The brewers here take immense pride in bringing a Riviera Maya twist to classic beer styles. Pay a visit to their tasting room and sample some Mexico’s best beer.
What To Order: The Akumal English Robust Porter puts a Mexican spin on a favorite beer, using only German and American hops. Smooth, chocolatey and delicious!
Hermana República Tulum
Address: Calle Sol Ote., 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
After you’ve finished exploring the incredible Mayan ruins of Tulum, cool off with a few cold ones at Hermana República Tulum. This is a brewery blended with a gastropub, which means that the food is as good as the brews, with a menu focused on both Mediterranean and Mexican classics.
What To Order: You may be out of the U.S.A., but Hermana República Tulum’s American Pale Ale is one of the finest Mexican craft beers. When smapling, you’ll get notes of tropical fruit and cascade and American hops. Delicious!
Barra Artesanal
Address: Paseo Xaman Ha 42, Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
The draught selection at this cozy outdoor spot isn’t as extensive as some other Playa del Carmen craft beer destinations. But don’t worry – each one you try will be awesome. Sit back, enjoy a gentle Playa breeze and get to know the friendly locals who love Barra Artesanal. Stick around for some sweet live music, too!
What To Order: Enjoy the extremely dark and extremely delicious Cerveceria Punta Sur Eagle Ray Stout.
Mundo Maya Brewing Company
The brainchild of longtime Playa del Carmen resident “Jungle” John, Mundo Maya Brewing Company is one of Playa del Carmen’s very first microbreweries. The brewery doesn’t have a tasting room at the moment, but you can find their fine offerings at many area restaurants, including Axiote and Mu Burger House.
What To Order: Mundo Maya’s flagship beer is called The Warrior, and it’s appropriately fierce. The brewers describe it as being “somewhere between an American and English IPA.” Whatever it is, you’re going to love its malty flavor and citrusy finish.
Want to discover even more about the vibrant Mexican craft beer scene? Check out the Barceló guide to the top five Mexican craft beers you have to try. Cheers!
